Bhuj, May 29: Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Friday that a decision has been taken to completely transform the concept of border security with a quadrangular security grid to be established, introducing a new concept of ‘territorial security’ to replace the traditional approach of mere border security.
Shah inaugurated two border outposts in Bhuj, Gujarat, and interacted with BSF personnel at the G-7 Border Out Post situated along the India-Pakistan border. He said this initiative would entail a primary responsibility shared among the public, civil administration, local police, and the military, alongside BSF personnel.
Addressing the gathering, the Home Minister said that BSF personnel live in extremely harsh climatic and difficult geographical conditions, but seeing them standing guard at India’s borders with smiling faces makes one feel that our own work is quite simple.
“If the BSF personnel do not tire, then we have absolutely no right to feel weary,” Shah said.
Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendra Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Union Home Secretary, Director of the Intelligence Bureau, Secretary of Border Management, Director General of the BSF, and several senior officials were present on the occasion.
Shah said that over the six decades since its inception, the BSF has shouldered the responsibility of securing the country’s two most challenging borders, facing every conceivable condition from -45 degrees to +45 degrees. From the icy peaks of Kashmir and the forests of the Sundarbans to the shores of Gangasagar, and extending to the hilly and forested terrains of Meghalaya and Assam, the BSF has admirably fulfilled its responsibility as the “First Line of Defence.”
Two thousand personnel of the Force have made the supreme sacrifice for the nation. It is for this very reason that the Government of India and the country’s 1.4 billion citizens hold the BSF in high esteem and are able to sleep in peace, the Home Minister said.
Shah stated that a centre has been established in Banaskantha to enable the general public to gain insight into the arduous duties performed by BSF personnel. Over the past month alone, more than 2.50 lakh people have visited this centre. He noted that a survey was initially conducted using feedback forms, and many women wrote that they would feel immense pride if their sons and daughters were to join the BSF.
Shah said that upon assuming office as Union Home Minister, a review of the BSF revealed that the Harami Nala and Sir Creek region lagged somewhat behind in terms of security preparedness. A comprehensive action plan was formulated to establish a ‘leak-proof’ security grid, initiating work on watchtowers, connecting roads, drinking water supply, medical facilities, accommodation arrangements, and new fencing.
“Within the next two years, this region of ours will be permanently secured against the malicious gaze of the enemy,” he asserted.
Under the Smart Border Security Project, efforts are underway to fortify security grids along the borders, involving an investment running into thousands of crores of rupees. The Home Minister expressed confidence that the deployment of drones, radars, watchtowers, state-of-the-art technology, and security personnel will result in the creation of a robust security grid.
“Once established, no one will dare to breach our borders,” he said.
Shah noted that the most significant gap in the security grid lay in the incomplete fencing along the West Bengal border. However, recently, with the blessings of the people of West Bengal, the party formed the government in the state. Within just one week of assuming office, the Chief Minister took a decision in principle to allocate land for border fencing, and some land has already been handed over.
Shah asserted that once the fencing is completed, infiltration will be curbed. Furthermore, work on installing technological fencing is being expedited in forested regions and along riverine channels.
The Union Home Minister stated that the entire nation respects the spirit of the BSF personnel and salutes them. It is because of them that peace prevails in that region of Gujarat today.
